Nepal's Army Takes to Streets as Gen Z Protests Turn Violent Amid Claims of Hijacking

Nepal's Army Deploys Patrols as Gen Z Protests Claim "Hijacking" Kathmandu, Nepal - In a bid to restore order, the Nepalese army has deployed patrols on the streets of Kathmandu, following two days of violent protests against corruption that left 30 people dead and over 1,000 injured. The protests, spearheaded by groups identifying as "Gen Z," have been marked by arson and vandalism, with government buildings and parliament torched. "We had no control over what happened on Tuesday," said a spokesperson for the Gen Z protesters, who claimed their movement was "hijacked" by opportunists seeking to exploit the situation. "We are committed to peaceful protests and will continue to demand accountability from our leaders." The protests began on Monday, with demonstrators calling for an end to corruption in Nepal's government. However, as the demonstrations escalated into violence, the prime minister resigned, and politicians' homes were vandalized. Background Context: Nepal has been plagued by corruption scandals in recent years, with allegations of embezzlement and nepotism at the highest levels of government. The protests are seen as a response to these perceived injustices, with many young people feeling disillusioned with the current state of affairs. The deployment of army patrols is an attempt to restore order and prevent further violence. "We will do everything in our power to ensure public safety," said a military spokesperson. "We invite the Gen Z protesters to engage in peace talks and work towards finding a solution." Additional Perspectives: Dr. Kumar, a local expert on Nepalese politics, noted that the protests highlight the deep-seated frustration among young people with the government's handling of corruption allegations. "This is not just about Gen Z; it's about a generation that feels disenfranchised and disillusioned with the system." A human rights activist, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the use of force by security forces. "We need to ensure that the army's actions are proportionate and do not lead to further human rights abuses." Current Status: As of Wednesday morning, Kathmandu's airport had reopened, and the capital was relatively quiet, with most residents obeying a curfew. However, smoke still rose from burning buildings, and the situation remains volatile. The next developments will be crucial in determining the outcome of this crisis. The Gen Z protesters have agreed to engage in peace talks with the military, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield tangible results. In related news, AI analysts are studying the role of social media in fueling the protests and the potential for similar movements elsewhere in the region. "This is a classic example of how social media can amplify dissent and mobilize young people," said Dr. Patel, an expert on AI and social dynamics. "We need to understand the underlying factors driving these movements and develop strategies to address them." As Nepal navigates this complex crisis, one thing is clear: the country's future will depend on its ability to address corruption, engage with its youth, and find a path towards reconciliation. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. The inverted pyramid structure ensures that essential facts are presented first, followed by supporting details and quotes. *Reporting by Bbc.*